The National Farmers Union and the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network - an organization opposed to the introduction of genetically modified crops - are planning to rally Tuesday against the possible introduction of genetically modified alfalfa in Canada.
GM alfalfa was approved for health and environmental release in 2005, but any variety must be registered before it can be commercially released. To date, no GM alfalfa varieties are registered with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
"Farmers realize that Roundup (Ready) alfalfa will become another weed," says NFU director and Deleau-area producer Ian Robson. "We've been talking to as many producers as we can and we haven't found any yet that are wanting to grow this Roundup alfalfa."
He says farmers need to voice their opposition.
"Just like when there were efforts to introduce Roundup wheat farmers came together and realized that was a problem and that there was no market acceptance," says Robson.
The Canadian Forage and Grassland Association published a report last summer that outlined both the pros and cons of having GM alfalfa introduced to growers. Roundup alfalfa has been approved for planting in the US since 2011.
One of the rallies on Tuesday is slated to be held at MP Merv Tweed's office in Brandon.
Sun, Apr 21, 2:00 PM
Seasonal, Term, Labour
Featured
